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I know a few guys on here love the Balance era tone the best, as well as Ed's other harmonized recorded tones from that era. I also recall one or two using a Boss Harmonist pedal to achieve an approximation of those sounds. Just wondering if there are any recommended settings with that pedal, and if a poor man's version can be used in mono?

Not sure I want the expense of an Eventide H9 or the hassle of a true stereo rig. Any tips or suggestions? Thanks in advance...

"There's too many people on this basketball that's floating around the sun, who are too afraid to allow themselves to FEEL" - Edward Van Halen
"Van Halen was never about the singer..." - a very wise fan.
"Embrace the past. Live in the moment but keep your eyes on the future, and keep on moving forward..." - Richie Sambora

F.U.C.K is the best sound and production on any VH album, a killer sound with all instruments in your face. Balance is killer too, but more polished. Fairbain was a great producer, but I’ve always wondered what would’ve happened if John’s was still on board. I doubt we’d get the instrumentals. John’s would’ve pushed Sammy to get some more lyrics down. But I like it for what it is, we were lucky we got it really, cause they were at loggerheads as we all now know. “Crossing over” as cool as it was/is still sounds though like Al went back to the drums he did on “5150” though.

“Crossing over” as cool as it was/is still sounds though like Al went back to the drums he did on “5150” though.

I thought Ed played the drums on that song. I forget the whole story, but I thought it was a little Ed project that wasn't really intended to be released, and Sammy liked it and put vocals over the top of it.

Production wise, F.U.C.K, Balance, VH, VHII and Fair Warning are the best.

I'd take the production on 1984 over VH or VH II.

"There's too many people on this basketball that's floating around the sun, who are too afraid to allow themselves to FEEL" - Edward Van Halen
"Van Halen was never about the singer..." - a very wise fan.
"Embrace the past. Live in the moment but keep your eyes on the future, and keep on moving forward..." - Richie Sambora

For me, by 1984, they were already dipping their toes into the "where's Mike?" mix. I know it is a sign of the times then, but they had a three album run in which Mike was way too low in the mix for my tastes, and it started with 1984 and flourished with OU812.

For me, by 1984, they were already dipping their toes into the "where's Mike?" mix. I know it is a sign of the times then, but they had a three album run in which Mike was way too low in the mix for my tastes, and it started with 1984 and flourished with OU812.

I thought Ed played the drums on that song. I forget the whole story, but I thought it was a little Ed project that wasn't really intended to be released, and Sammy liked it and put vocals over the top of it.

Might be remembering that all wrong.

You are correct. Eddie wrote the original song after a friend committed suicide. He played drums and you can hear his original lyrics in the background of some of the song that became Crossing Over. I think it is one of Van Halen's boldest and best songs.

F.U.C.K is the best sound and production on any VH album, a killer sound with all instruments in your face. Balance is killer too, but more polished. Fairbain was a great producer, but I’ve always wondered what would’ve happened if John’s was still on board. I doubt we’d get the instrumentals. John’s would’ve pushed Sammy to get some more lyrics down. But I like it for what it is, we were lucky we got it really, cause they were at loggerheads as we all now know. “Crossing over” as cool as it was/is still sounds though like Al went back to the drums he did on “5150” though.

I love what Fairbairn did with Balance. I actually liked what he did with VH better than Johns. They should have included Crossing Over and Backdoor Shuffle and Bruce should have made Sam write lyrics for Baluchitherium.

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